Cleveland Smart Square putter review
01 Jan 2014
by Benjamin Larsen of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Equipment Reviews
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The new Smart Square putter
from ClevelandThe interesting thing about the new Smart Square putter from Cleveland Golf is that its design is, at the same time, both basic and advanced.
The recently unveiled, black-headed, mallet-style putter is basic in the sense that there are very little technical advances seen in the engineering.
It’s advanced in the sense that its design promotes accurate and consistent alignment by the use of two squares that have never been used before by Cleveland Golf or any other club manufacturer. The squares smartly (pun intended) help in basic, yet accurate and efficient alignment, helping golfers putt with much more consistency and confidence.
Cleveland Golf is calling it “dual axis alignment”. The two squares sitting on top of the putter head and outlined with bold white lines create parallel lines that frame the ball at address. The result is parallel and perpendicular alignment that provide a clear visual path to hole, generated by the squares.
In a golf market where adjustability, customization, bells and whistles are used seemingly everywhere, the Smart Square putter offers golfers a simple, yet effective enhancement to their putting games.
The putter, due to hit retail Nov. 15, comes at an optimal time. Yes, the putter should be a hit among golfers this holiday season. But the options available, including lengths ranging from 33 to 36 inches standard as well as a 39-inch ‘almost belly’ putter for those hoping to make the transition following the anchoring ban decision, add to its appeal. Golfers can also choose from center or heel-shafted.
The price also seems to be right. Standard length Smart Square putters will start at $139 with the longer models costing $179.
Following my test runs with the new putter, I was pleased, especially considering the price. The feel of the copolymer face insert helps with a consistent roll without adding too much weight --- a bonus for anyone moving from a blade-style putter.